I purchased a Hex HX-5B last September. It is mounted on a Radio Shack push
up pole using a Channel Master rotor. The top element is at 30'. Total cost
of the system including Davis RF coax was below $1200. The performance has
been outstanding! I do live on a salt water lagoon, so that may help (full
disclosure!).
I feel the Hex beats any other 2 element beam/quad (including the Force 12
C-3's) and stands up to most 3 element tri-banders. The HX-5B also covers 12
and 17. I have several stations close by with much larger antennas and I can
hear and work everything they can and sometimes beat them out. The Hex is
very quiet compare to other beams I have used.
As I upgraded from a GAP vertical, the difference was amazing. It has
completely changed my outlook on Ham radio. I've worked over 100 countries
since I got the beam bringing my total up to 240.
The Hex has played very well in contesting as well. Mind you, I am no
superstation, but with 600 watts out of the AL-811H, I can run and maintain
a frequency on CW and RTTY.
Mike Traffie has also been a real pleasure to work with. When manufacturing
was delayed a few days, he picked up the overnight charges to make sure I
got the beam in time for a contest.
The Hex is the perfect antenna if you have space limitations or a looking
for a low visibility installation. While cost was not a factor with me, the
Hex is probably the best value antenna system you can get when you factor in
the savings of not having to use a tower and heavy duty rotor.
In fact, we are planning on getting another Hex with the portable support
Traffie sells for DXpeditions.
Overall I rate it A++.
Be sure to see the review by the late Lew McCoy. He raved about the Hex.
Please contact me if you want to discuss any further.
Best 73,
Steve
W1SRD
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-writelog@contesting.com
> [mailto:owner-writelog@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Don Hill AA5AU
> Sent: Sunday, March 04, 2001 7:13 PM
> To: WriteLog Reflector; WF1B Reflector
> Subject: [WriteLog] Hex Beams
>
>
>
> Anyone using any of the Hex Beams that are being sold by Traffie
> Technology? http://www.traffietech.com/index.html
>
> I understand they are expensive, but with the smallish size and weights,
> they may be something I might be interested in. I'd like to hear how they
> perform.
>
> Thanks,
> Don, AA5AU
> http://www.geocities.com/aa5au/
>
>
>
>
> --
> WWW: http://www.writelog.com/
> Submissions: writelog@contesting.com
> Administrative requests: writelog-REQUEST@contesting.com
> Problems: owner-writelog@contesting.com
>
>
--
WWW: http://www.writelog.com/
Submissions: writelog@contesting.com
Administrative requests: writelog-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems: owner-writelog@contesting.com
|